Cat has been in the wine industry for nearly two decades, gaining experience in every realm of the business. She started in the tasting room at Apex Cellars in 2001, and that is where she met Flint.
In 2007, she joined the team at Owen Roe, working as inventory manager, added the Human Resource Director title to her belt, and helped in production. It was during this time, that she figured out what she wanted to do when she grew up—be a winemaker. In 2007, she enrolled in Yakima Valley Community College for their Winery Technology degree, that they had just unveiled. In 2009, she was the first graduate of the program.
In 2012, Cat took the position as Assistant Winemaker at Kestrel, under Flint Nelson. They worked closely together for three years, forming a strong friendship through their passion for wine and zest for life. Most days, you would find the two working hard, and laughing often.
Born and raised in the Yakima Valley, the AVA is near and dear to her heart. It has such rich history, and sense of place, and it is with great pride and passion that she gets to work with the beautiful fruit that comes from the vines. Her philosophy about wine, is that it is the perfect blend between art and science. It is a way of life, the perfect complement to any occasion, and is meant to be shared with friends and family.
